Delays to the construction of the Hinkley Point nuclear power station could be on the cards, if a dispute over bonus payments flares up into industrial action, unions have warned.

Trade unions Unite and the GMB will be holding a consultative ballot of the 700-strong workforce preparing the groundworks at the site near Bridgwater, and the news comes days after crew members had to be rescued from a Hinkley Point ship as it began to sink in the Bristol Channel.

The pay dispute centres on the failure to pay bonus rates in line with the spirit of the HPC Civil Construction agreement, and the unions argue that the rate offered is insufficient to attract the quality of workers needed to ensure that that the civil works phase of the £18 billion project is completed on time.

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Unite regional officer Rob Miguel said: "The Hinkley Point nuclear power station is key to the future energy needs of the UK. The project has already suffered delays and to achieve the 2025 start date for electricity generation a skilled construction workforce is required.

"If the consultative ballot eventually leads to full-scale industrial action ballot, we could be looking at delays to the construction at Hinkley Point, which will be very expensive for the employers as hired-in plant and machinery will be lying idle.

"The scheme has already been plagued by delays over its financing and can't afford any further interruptions.

"We would urge the employers to get back around the table with senior union officials to achieve a fair settlement, so building can continue to the highest standard, safely and on schedule."

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Unite regional officer Tim Morris said : "This poor offer is unacceptable under all of the circumstances and our members came to Hinkley Point under the belief that they would receive excellent pay and bonuses.

"The employers think they can do this 'on the cheap' by offering a derisory bonus rate, but the workers consider it to be completely inadequate to attract and hold onto the skilled workforce necessary."

GMB regional officer Adie Baker said: " GMB members are not prepared to accept this derisory offer on bonus payments that also threatens health and safety standards on site."